DeVos Says Guns Will Not Be a Part of School Safety Talks

Education Secretary Betsy DeVos announced on Tuesday that federal school safety commission that was set up for the deadly shooting at a Florida high school will not be looking at guns and their role in school violence.

According to WOOD TV, DeVos was recently asked if the commission she is running on education spending will take a look at guns and school safety.

DeVos said, "That is not part of the commission's charge per se, we are actually studying school safety and how we can ensure our students are safe at school."

DeVos was then asked by Demoractic Senator Patrick Leahy, "So you are studying gun violence, but not considering the role of guns?"

A spokeswoman for DeVos, Liz Hill, said, "It's important to note that the commission cannot create or amend current gun laws, that is Congress' job."

DeVos also said the commission will not look at best practices from other countries that have much lower rates of gun violence. DeVos says she is looking at programs in favor of softer approaches in creating a positive school climate. Other educators across the country mention that method is not new and has been used for many years now.

DeVos said, "I believe that's very much a matter for debate," when asked if she believes an 18-year-old high school student should be allowed to buy an AR-15 assault weapon.